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I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. | 

^ Chap.VH.-.'i-l.l.l.. I 

fb :\4 

§^ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, i' 



BELIGIOUS & MORAIi 



POEMS. 



BY THE LA.TE 



JOSEPH RICKMAN, 

©r L£W£S, SUSSEX, F.Hai.A»D. 



PHILADELPHU^ 

WMXHTVD lOR THE PBOPBIKTO*. 

1828. 



-t^S-'-^^flr 



rK'^ 



The following collection of 

POEMS, 

i» affectionately inscribed to his 
Scholars, at Cincinnati, Frankford, 
Woodbury, Baltimore, East Notting- 
ham, Bush, Fawn Grove, West Grove 
and Sad^b ary, by their late teacher 

W. B. 



PKEFACB. 

The Poems which compose the con- 
tents of this small volume, are a portion 
of the writing* of my beloved Fath«r, 
who deceased at the age of 62, in the 
year 1810. I am myself not even a rhym- 
er, I therefore do not presume to attempt 
to retouch these posthumous remains. As 
a general rule, 1 believe attempting to 
correct poetry by a third hand, more 
likely to injure, than improve the compo- 
sition, and apprehending that these pieces 
form no exception to this rule, 1 forbear 
handing them to any friend for revision. 
Notwithstanding poetic works are very 
numerous, yet, unless a son's partiality 
too much blinds my judgment, 1 feel sat- 
isfied that the friends of experimental re- 
ligion, will not consider this little volume 
an unwelcome intruder upon the attention 
of the reading community. It is presumed, 
it will be peculiarly appropriate for ju- 
venile readers. With a sincere desire 
that it may tend in some measure to pro- 
mote the best interests of the rising gene- 
ration, it is presented to the patronage of 
the public. 

WILLIAM RICKMAN. 






AN EPISTLE 

FROM A FRIEKD TO HIS SOA'' AT SCHOOL^ 

Tho' lont^' uniisM my once obedient quill. 
To move spontaneous as the purling- rill 
Thai li^ently flows along- its devious way, , 
Kot richly full, !)ut innocently gay ; 
While some refreshment to the neig-bbo'ring fieldi» 
The' small, its soft nhsequious current yields ; 
And happy he who owns no nobler streams — 
That little cuirent, as a treasure deems, 
Tho' long- uniis'd to cull the flow'iy lay 
And with the useful plant to blend the g-ay. 
Revolving- > ears have graver tasks assign"d, 
And arduous cares emplo\'d my active mind: 
Yet now, deur boy, thy early da\s demand 
The condescension of the nurturing' hand. 
To mingle with instruction, soft delight, 
And sweetly draw thee in the paths of light. 

O may thy taste, refin'd by wisdom's ray. 
Still urge thee forward to the realms of day, 
In all thou seest, in all the enquiring mind. 
Can thro* the regions of creation find. 



8 



The ultra plus still deeply be impress'd, 

The Lord of all with reverent awe confess'd. 

His power immense, his wisdom and his love. 

Which the wide systems of creation prove ; 

All present suffering must be understood 

As some way tending* to the future good; 

Because his love supremely rules the whole> 

And what he wills he cannot but controul. 

But this remember as a certain truth, 

(If to the child succeed the thoughtful youth,) 

No mortal man completely can explore 

The ways of God — " a sea without a shore." 

An awful depth, wherein the finite mind 

Can no support, but calm believing find. 

Faith throws an anchor in the boundless deep, 

And restless, stormy cogitations sleep. 

That God is good forever stands contest, 

And frail and sinful man must leave the rest. 

Contented to receive redeeming grace, 

"Which Heaven vouchsafes to Adam's fallen race. 

For O the truth, tho' painful, must be seen. 

That man's corrupted, and this earthly scene 

Partakes the sad disorder of the fall. 

And wide creation feels the extensive thrall,* 

Pants for dehverance from the exotic load 

T* enjoy the liberty of the sons of God, 

"Where morning stars in concert sweet unite, 

And all is pure ineffable delight. 

The eye its proper object shall perceive. 

And every taste its full fruition have. 

Freed from the dregs of vice, from passions swar, 

To bask in blessings of eternal day. 

There be thy aim thro' all the flow'ry scenes. 

And thro' the gloomy path that intervenes. 

Not always muet we think while here to share, 

Pleasures unmingled with corroding care ; 

The rose its thorn, the fruit its bitter yields. 

And blended good and ill spread o'er life's fields. 

O keep in view that state where all is clear, 
And joy unmixed tills th* eternal sphere. 



• Rom. viii. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. 



Ponder the chart which marks the heavenly roacl» 

Thro' all times changes to the unchanginc^ good. 

And read tlie records of thy Saviour s love 

Till thy heart melt, and thou his goodness prove. 

Let no day pass without the sacred lore ; 

The bible is a rich exhaustless, store ; 

There truths abound to peace of sov'reign aid. 

In storms a shelter, in tlie heat a shade. 

Refreshing streams flow from the sacred lines 

And grace divine in mildest glory shines. 

Mark well the wonders of the historic page, 
The paths of providence in every age ; 
Revolving periods opening wide the plan 
Of boundless goodness to dependant man. 
And justice — but another name for love, 
"When men rebellious to his mercy prove. 
See nations rise and full at his command, • 
And awful judgments sweep a guilty land! 
But mercy trium])hsin the enlarged scheme. 
And " God is love" remains the crowning theme. 
Here chiefly too the s:ic;ed page observe,* 
"Whose faithful penmen hold no false i-eserve. 
But truth's clear miror rais'd to public view. 
Reflects from characters their eveiw hue; 
Nor individuals of the greatest fame 
Escape tlie censure where they merit blame ; 
But thus instruct, in every point of view, 
As bright examples, and as cautions too. 

At opening dawn, and closing evening shade 
Thy thankful offerings to the Lord be paid. 
His condescending love will not disdain 
To hear an infant's praise, nor suppliant's strain. 
Review his mercies countless as the sand, 
1'Iiat lines llic deep, or foi ma ihu i»veaii*5 strand. 
Implore his pardon in thy Saviour's name 
When conscious guilt o'erspreads with sacred shame; 



* Here too with respect to history ; the sacred histori- 
ans mention even the blemishes of ihe most eminent char- 
acters, as instructive cautions on the one hand, and lessoni 
on the otiier, not to despond under a sense of our faults 
and remaining infirmities. 



10 

And beg his grace to guide thy tender feet 
Into the paths where love and duty meet. 
The ways of pleasantness and peace conjoined 
While wisdom's dictates rule the obedient mind ; 
The inferior passions held in strict controul. 
And holy awe diffused throughout the soul : 
The soft aflections cherished yet with care. 
That objects only to their worth may share. 
Thus hand in hand shall peace and pleasure move 
And every state its suited mercies prove, 
Thro' all the scenes of life, and every stage 
From life's fair dawn to slow declining age. 

If fond affection sends thy thoughts to roam 
From Sarum's streams, to Thames, thy native home ; 
To those fair fields with constant verdure spread, 
0*er which proud CjMrTON rears his princely head, 
And Boston's turrets crown the neighbouring hill 
While peace and plenty all the village fill. 
How oft at eve, in converse join'd 
At once t' improve and recreate the mind, 
How sweet to stray thro' all the varied scene. 
The woods umbrageous, and the cheerful green; 
The gentle slopes, spread o'er with waving gold 
While fleecy flocks and herds, the meads unfold. 
See distant prospects join the sweet regale, 
And Windsor's royal towers o'erlook the vale. 
The Forest forms a deep contrasting shade 
Except where pierced by the pleasing glade— 
But whither runs my widely wandring strain 
To sport in mere descriptive scenes in vain ? 
My chaster judgment checks the devious flight 
Recalls the quill and points to what is right. 

I meant to say should filial fond desire 
Look towards thy home, and ot our state enquire ; 
Their welfare ask, whose tender love for thine 
The parents' heart and guardian's care conjoin.— 

The balm of life, thro* favour we enjoy, 
Content and health, those sweets which never cloy. 
Tho' some few bitters wisdom may dispense 
Their promis'd good o'ercomes the present sense. 

Thy little brothers rise a sprightly throng 
Fit subjects for the muse's cheerful song ; 



11 



The different talents of the little race 

Their tempers various as the varied face. 

John's active mind requires a silken chain, 

Tho prone to err yet easy to restrain ; 

Submissive to affection's soft controul, 

And mild correction melts his tender soul. 

William more hidden, calls for dext'rous care 

To blend persuasion with decisive air ; 

Tho' tender strong ; contends to have his will. 

And bows reluctant while the tears distill. 

• King Henry, King, with music in his voice 

And sweetest features form'd to please the choice 

Yet stern, impetuous, asks the uplifted arm 

And shaken rod to terrify from harm. 

Like the wild colt pursues his eager cou/se. 

Nor stops without authoratative force. 

Sweet smiling Neave an unexpanded rose 

A bloom whose fruit succeeding days disclose. 

If no sharp frost, nor death commission'd blast 

ICipthe fair flower and lay its beauties waste. 

And now, dear boy, remember oft thy place. 

The elder born should draw the younger race. 

And by example point the heavenly road. 

The path of light which leads to perfect good. 

So shall thy days witli peace and pleasure roll 

Till thou attainest to life's eternal goal. 



* Perhaps it is unnecessary to remind tl)ee that George is 
here distinguislied by one of his first sentences which he 
used to pronounce with engaging sweetness. 



ADDRESS'D 

TO A FRIEJVD LY AFFLICTIOJ^. 



■I 



Trust not in any arm of clay, 

But to his all potent sway, 

Wl»om the winds and waves obey 

He will so extend liis aid 

That his grace may be display'd, 

Sovereign rich and ever free ; 

This throughout his word we see ; 

And the scenes of time proclaim 

Glory to the eternal name! 

Chaos in beauty brought 

Spheres of light from darkness wrought 

Jtffl^t'er join'd to sense and thought 

Israels captur'd sons' release — 

And their march thro' sever'd seas— 

The cloud a. shade and fiery beams 

JRocks which pour'd a liberal stream 

JUaunu's long and large supply — 

Jordan's waters fix'd on higli — 

Huhvarks leTcli'ed to the ground 

At the ramshorn's feeble sound — 

Gideo7i^s dry and humid fleece — 

The barley meal and oil's increase.— 

But the subject spreads too w ide, 
t must lay my view s aside ; 
My little monitoi-is by, 
And acquaints me midnight's nigh- 
Time to seek for sweet repose ; 
Time for balmy sleep to close. 
Yet in briet we just may say 
Ancient story will disi)lay, 
And revolving ages piove 
Gods unbounded pouer and love. 
If he cluisesto employ 
Means to favowr or destroy 
Still liis Sovereign will's tiie same? 
His alone the glory's claim ; 
To the deeply pensive mind 
Cogent call to be rtsign'd, 
W.hen the adverse winds «rise, 
Tiirei'.tning storms obscure the skies. 
And c'-oss e\ ents perplex and prove : 
Friends are cool— perhaps unkind, 
And a'i'ful thoughts besiege the mind j 



Yet here as Jonah in the deep— 
The Lord's all g-racious care will keep ; 
His arm alone sustains the soul, 
When the nightly billows roll : 

Those who thu3 descend and trace 

More the glories of his grace ; 

There his wonders they behold 

As the favour'd sons of old: 

And with emphasis proclaim 

Glory to the eternal name ! 

Or if circumstances please. 
And they hve awhile at ease ; 
Well instructed still they know 
From whose hand the bounties How, 
Health and riches—friends and fame, 
AH are of a brilliant frame. 
And no longer each endures, 
Than his providence secures ; 
JoO, illustrious, prov'd this truth — 
Princely prosperous in his youth ; 
"^Vhat an awful cliange appears 
In the sad succeeding years ; 
Yet how blest his evening close ! 
Banisli'd all his numerous woes ; 
Health restor'd — and peace of mind — ") 
Greater riches were consign''d— C 

And again his friends were kind. 3 

O my friend be mindful then 
Of the precepts of thy pen. 
Hew no cisterns of thy own 
But confide in God alone ! 
Tho' thy mind be too well taught 
To abuse the present thought • 
Tho' thou dare not to depend, 
Still thou art thankful for a friend 
Nor wouldst sit and fold thy hands 
When to work thy Lord commands; 
Yet his power supremely bless 
If he favour with success, &c. &c. 
Those truths thou knowest to prize 
Clad in grave or g'ray or guise : 
May their genuine sense impart 
Strength and solace to thy heart ! 
Banish every anxious care, 
And thy pilgrim mind prepare 
For the glorious realms above. 
B 



14 



To the little Lambs in Jickivovth Fol(t, 

J. AND W. R. THEIR COUSINS, &C. 

Oft have my thoughts revolving o'er the scene, 
Where cheerful youth and innocence are seen. 
Expanded with affection's genial glow, 
M'hile love and best desires spontaneous ^o\v. 

O may your minds preserv'd by grace divine, 
Increase in wisdom and in virtue sliine! 
That wisdom which in sacred fear begins, 
That best of knowledge which departs from sin ; 
Preserv'd by this as you in stature grow 
Improving virtues with your age will flow. 
Till you become of that immortal line 
"Whose lives evince creation's grand design. 
To celebrate the great creator's praise, 
And shine as stars illumin'd with heavenly rays. 

Oh be your tender minds imbued with grace I 
And ardent prayers to run the christian race ! 
Think how they shine whom love divine arrays. 
Whose active life their deep concern displays. 
To spread their Lord and master's sacred cause. 
And win the people to obey his laws ; 
The laws of peace benevolence and love, 
ThatShiloh's richest fj^^vours they ma\ prove ; 
W^hat human tongue or angel's can declare 
The heavenly blessings which are center'd there ! 

Oft have my thoughts, revolv'd, and sought to find 
A channel for tlie emotion of my mind ; 
To pour the fresh instruction to the heart, 
And from the love 1 feel that love impart. 
May your susceptive minds the same receive I 
And what is watered grace its blessings give ! 
Kot Paul who plants, nor he whose added care 
Of streams refreshing pours tlie abundant share.. 
Without this grace can raise the rich increase.- 
I'rom buds of Piety to fruits of peace= 



15 



How oft at dawn the slcy serene and clear. 

As in the blooming' seasons of the year 

Excites a hope the day will prove as fine. 

And meridian warmth and fjlory shine ; 

But from the elements fierce storms arise. 

Becloud the sun and veil him from our eyes ; 

Descendinij torrents roar along" the plain. 

And devastation follows in the train : 

Too true an emblem of the youthful mind 

AV'hen not within the sphere of truth confin'd. 

But varying" from that sacred filial fear 

AVhich bow'd with awe and kept the conscience clear, 

By sad gradation passion's storms arise 

And clouds and darkness clothe the mental skies ; 

A'eilfroni the sight tlie radiant source of day, 

And terror marks the travellers gloomy way : 

The son of peace preserve your little fold 1 

And of those terrors be you only told! 

Nor sad experience prove the painful theme. 

Which some have known beyond an idle dream ; 

Have felt the force (jf deep corruption's sway. 

And lost the sweetness of their infant day : 

Let other's harms }our stronger caution prove 

To dwell within the fold of peace and love ! 

Let no contentions fire your little breast. 

Nor angry passions urge to be expressed , 

But think within yourselves how shall I close 

The active day and sink to soft repose ; 

3f in the silence of the solemn night, 

The sad remembrance of my sins affright ? 

If naughty words and accents fiercer still 

With terrors and remorse my bosom fill ? 

Lest in the shades of night my soul should go, 

Down thro' the vale of death to realms of wo. 

But peace illumes the lovely infant mind. 

Whom filial love and sacred caution bind : 

Such shall experience happiness and love. 

And the jrich joys of true religion prove. 

May silence deep pervade your inmost soul ! 
And every thought with holy awe controul. 
That you may hear tliat language in the heart. 
Whose sacred dictates life and peace impart ! 
How oft in early days my soul rever'd 
Those sapient minds who in this frame appear'd, 
Whose spirits reverent bow d before the Lord, 
To v/ait the counsel of his heavenly word ; 



36 



Tlien rising" to reveal their master's will 

Their words as soft refreshing dews distill. 

And o'er the humble mind new life diffuse, 

As to the tender plants the balmy dews : 

'i'ho' close their doctrine to rebellious states, 

Yet love their mission over all awaits — 

That love I thought, which thus their mission seal'd^ 

And counsel suited to the states reveal'd, 

Is still the same in every time and age, 

As near to instruct the children as the sage ; 

This voice to Samuel spoke the Almiglity's law 

And hoary Eli heard with reverent awe ; 

Tho' young the sire, the truth divine express'd, 

15ore its own weight, and bow'd the aged breast. 

Still the same love and power remain to give 

The word of truth to all who will receive : 

How clear its counsels which unfold the heart ! 

j^or only sight but life and strength impart 

To willing minds, those dictates to pursue, 

"With present peace and bliss co?npIeai m view j 

This is the voice the Lord himself declared 

Should in the secret of the mind be heard : 

«' He who is with you'* shall again appear. 

And this effect will prove him to be near-— 

*' He by his spirit shall rfeprove for sin." 

For when remov'd from sight he'll be loitJdn j" 

And tho' his deep corrections sorrow give, 

Yet still the bow'd soul he will receive. 

And by his solace seal his sacred claim, 

*'The Comforter," his pure and genuine name ! 

O be your minds directed by this love ! 
And in (he paths of sweet obedience move ; 
Then he'll deliglit to fill the mind with joy. 
To pour those riches that have no alloy ; 
.A.nd rising into life you will appear 
Serene as evening, and as morning fair ; 
Intelligence and love will mark your road, 
And point your footsteps to that blest abode, 
"Where Seraphs veil before the eternal throne. 
And joys unmixed are forever known ! 

Be this sublime your fixed unvaried view ! 
7'hro' every changing scene that aim pursue ! 
VJ hew pleasure smiles let secretfear restrain 
"From wild excess, from all impure and vain; 



IT 



And when affliction wields her awful rod. 

In deep attention hear the voice of God ! 

Then mild corrections he will surely prove, 

Are but to biing- you nearer to his love ; 

To g-uard your tender minds from every foe. 

And all those panels which from misconduct flow 

The gracious influence of heavenly love 

Tn various modes your infant years shall prove, 

Tho' stern authority a frown may wear, 

Ksteeni it the result of sacred care ; 

And needful to preserve your active mind, 

As In the fold the little lambs confin'd 

Have space enoug-h to rove in cheerful play, 

But love forbids from safety's bounds to strav, 



B -2 



ta 



AN AFFECTIONATE TRIBUTE, 

TO THE MEMORY OF AjY AMIABLE, IJ\''TELLL 
GEJ^'T AJVJJ JPIOUS SISTEB, AJV.Y JEFFERY.' 

O muchlov'd shade ! how oft fond thought reviews 

Thy form benig'n, thy converse sweet renews, 

Serene as evening", as the morning fair, 

And Hke the fragrance of the vernal air; 

The fainting mind thy soothing acce\)ts cheer,- 

Thy lovely periods charm the listening ear ; 

lieligion made thy soul sublimely wise, 

And pointed thy chief ardour to the skies. 

No cynic frowns no sour monastic strain, 

That oft with deeper pride condemns the vain ; 

Mild as the radiance of the queen of night. 

Thy soften'd graces spread their genial light ; 

And in that orbit Providence assign'd, 

Thou showest a fair example to mankind. 

No bigot zeal supplies the rising aim 

To greet each mind of truly christian claim ; 

Those who espoused the cause of heavenly love^ 
'>lass'd as her kindred and were sure to prove, 
'I'hat kind affection kindred ties demand, 
The heart expansive, and the active hand; 
Her soul susceptive mourn'd another's grief. 
Alive to feel, and prompt t'impart relief; 
And when the social pleasures were expressed 
Accordant strains vibrated in lier breast ^ 
Thou wast — but ah ! what language can reveal^ 
Or what thou wast, or what survivors feel! 

But thy lov'd W — chiefl} claims the tear — 

Tho' awf'ly rent his sweel domestic sphere ! 
Yet no tumultuous grief— no pompous wo 
Shall o'er thy corpse in raging periods flow ; 
But hush'd each murmur— every pang resign'd-— 
Those truly mourn who imitate thy mind. 
>Iethinks 1 see thine angel form descend — 
Tho' starts the tear, thy voice I'll still attend. 
Thy lovely voice ! — Ah nature yields again — 
Nor scarce collected hears the sapient strain. 
Why slu)v;1d I fear to meet thee in the shade 
TiThere ofl *.hou aiet'st in robes of clay arrayed ? 



19 

When thy rich converse warm'dmy Inmost sou]. 
"While thoughts subhme in living currents roll. 

O lov'd companion of my early years! 
How soon we mingled joys and blended tears ' 
Prompt to receive — and happy to impart 
The various pains and pleasures of the heart. 
When on life's stormy deep from native shore, 
My little bark was launcli'd (a child no more — 
Dismiss'd the inclosure of the parents pale) 
T sought with trembling care the prosperous gale. 
Then were thy various sprightly powers combin'd 
At once to please and interest my mind. 
Thy rapid race in sentiments sublime 
Excell'd thy seniors, and outstrip'd their prime, 
Advanc'd thee early to the realms above — 
Thy steady aim— thy first and chiefest love ! 
Oft I review thy flowing periods fraught 
With rich instruction and superior thought. 
Yet deeply conscious of its lapsed frame, 
Thy soul renounc'd each pharasaic claim, 
Confided in redeeming lovc alone. 
And awf 'ly bow'd before the eternal throne. — 
Ah ! thou wast hidden to the formal pride 
Of those who from external modes decide. 
Judge by the eye, and let a word offend, 
Altho' the christian graces sweetly blend : 
Thy mind detach'dfrom systems' rigid rules. 
Dared not to deem dissentient brothers fools ; 
But, like the Lord, those " other sheep" embrac'd 
His Providence in various folds had plac'd; 
Yet still are sheep and in his pastures fed, 
Grace in their lives and Christ their common head. 
Nor was thy love to tiiese choice minds confin'd. 
Thou mourn'dst the careless race of all mankind j 
Tho' human nature never lost its claim, 
Sut found a friend in thy relenting frame. 
Thou wast — But O this speaks " thou art no more" ! 
Thy Lord commands thee to the eternal shore : 
Then would I view thee in thy bright abode, 
And trace thy "shining path which led to God"; 
Nor plaintive strive to chase tliee from my mind, 
But thy lov'd form in every prospect find : 
There wouldst thou smile benignan* and commend- 
Here wouldst thou frown aad prove the faithful friend. 
No sour reproof, yst awftUly sev<jre ! 



20 



Thy transient glances made the guilty fear ; 
When the keen censure darted From thine eye 
And truth, thine aspect, cloth'd with majesty ; 
Collected in thyself, the brilMant rays 
Shone thro' the mortal shrine, a moral blaze ; 
Yet mildly temper'd where thy mind, serene, 
Approv'd, enjoy'd, and crownM tlie social scene. — 
Ah thou wast lovely, and thy converse lov*d. 
The numerous circles of thy friendships prov'd, 
The g-ay— the grave — the rustic- the polite — 
The accompllsh'd scholar, atid the unletter'd wight- 
Alike were pleas'd ; — Thy mien engaging — free-»- 
Vvith ease descended— rose with dignity — 
But chiefly such whom heaven born wisdom taught, 
To rise from earth with pure devotion fiaught j 
Beyond the sons of science these were priz'd, 
Tho' thy large soul no useful arts despis'd, 
Pleas'd to survey, and prompt to recommend 
Whatever might to general service tend. 
Enrich the mind — dispense a soothing aid 
To mortal life in sorrows thicken'd shade ; 
For well thou knowestto mourn; thy pensive breast. 
Smote v.ith the general pang, was oft distress'd j 
But now releas'd from thy various woes, 
And chief that keen destroyer of repose, 
The quick, susceptive, agonizing frame— 
Whicii kindled, darted as the electric flame — 
Vierc'd thro' the nerves, and tore the trembling heart. 
Till meek eyed pity heal'd the poignant smart ; 
Thou mournedst the thorn (so Saul of Tarsus pray'd,) 
Grace with that thorn dispens'd celestial aid, 
Sufficient daily for each conflict deep, 
Then lull'd the sense acute to balmy sleep ; 
Supernal strength tl)ro' mortal weakness shone. 
And praise ascended to the Lord alone. 

O may I never in this vale of tears 
Cease to review the memoirs of thy years ! 
Tho' short thy date, replete with joy and pain ; 
Soon clos'd the mine, but ricii the golden vein , 
O with what pleasure oft I view'd the ore ! 
And scorn'd the meanness of the miner's store ; 
For thou wast generous, free, and unconfin'd, 
Pieas'd to impart and .aclad the kindred rnind ; 
Congenial spirits shar'd thy brilliant thought. 
With Stirling sense and infor^.aUon fiaught : 



21 

Yet when retir'J thy tender mind revlew'd 

The social scenes, and grace its radiance shew'd. 

Prostrate, before the throne, with humble prayer, 

Thy heart, contrite, was fill'd with jealous care, 

Lest self assume those g-ems with which the Lord 

(Sole source of beauty ! all creative Nvcrd !) 

Ifobes (as " a bride adorn'd,") the immortal min^. 

To show the sons of earth what heaven desitjn'd, 

y/hen by his potent fiat rose to sight 

This fair creation from the realms of night ; 

And man in God's own sacred image fram'd — 

Crown'd the whole work and conscious praise proclaim'd; 

Rut O the lapse, the sordid sons of earth 

Have lost that lustre, and debas'd their birth. 

This jealous fear lest self should dare assume, 

And with a borrow'd lustre vainly plume, 

JJow'd all her j^owers and rais'd tl\e deep felt groan ; 

The sacred incense blends before the throne ; 

The mind reduc'd in every point of view, 

Renounc'd hprself and to Immanuel flew ; 

With filial confidence embrac'd the plan 

Of love celestial to revolted man. — 

Ah ! there*, her beckoning hand extended see ! 

Her awful frame invites— come follow me I 



xVDDRESSED 

TO .a sojsr with ji bible. 

At least one chapter every day — 
The advantage amply will repay ; 
But if to this thou add'st one more, 
it will increase thy mental store. 
Provided grace divine be sought, 
T' impress the truths which here are taught. 
Truths more sublime than Plato's page. 
Or all that fill'd the Grecian age. 
Philosophers and bards in vain 'i 

Contrast the Prophets' heavenly strain, ^ 
When' they describe Messiah's reign ; j 
On earth good will and perfect peace ! 
Blessings ever to increase ! 
Thus reflected praise on high ! 
Thus proclaim'd his Deity ! 
Attentive read and trace the plan 
Of boundless love t® worthless maiif 



£S 



TO A MARRIED COUPLE. 

Hail liappy pair! 'tis friendship tunes the lay, 
That joys to see this kind auspicious day — 
This happy morn that crowns that mutual love, 
Unerring wisdom first ordain'd above. 
Say what inducement taught the breast to move 
To sacred friendship, and to virtuous love ? 
'Twas winning" piety and sense conjoin'd, 
That spoke the innate beauties of the mind; 
Cementing- friendslup also lent its aid, 
And crown'd the happy choice that prudence made, 
Ko bribing wealth, nor base designing art 
Urg'donto flatler, or impel the heart. 
Spontaneous efforts fann'd the latent fire. 
And grace refin'd and sanctified desire. 
May Cana's guest attend your steps below, 
And smile propitious as you onward go ! 
May He, indulgent, bless your future days 
And tune your grateful hearts to sing his praise ! 
Behold, my friends, a father's tender care 
In all the blessings, which in life you share ; 
His goodness view, in all you daily prove ; 
For your enjovments are his gifts of love. 
Should adverse providence your steps attend, 
And every sweet with some kind bitter blend, 
With hand the friendly cup receive. 
And drmk the potion heaven reserv'd to give. 
If poverty or want await you here, 
The feeling stroke with resignation bear ; 
The God who sends them rules their potent sway, 
And by his presence smiles their frowns away. 
The various ills in life you're born to share. 
Are bounteous blessings of parental care. 
This each shall ov.n, and both with joy confess ; 
Nor even wish to make your trials less. 
Like humble pensioners, devoted stand. 
Imploring mercies from a father's hand, 
With grateful hearts receive his kind supplied, 
Mor wish imparted, what his love denies. 

If thus resolv'd, pursue your christian way, 
Kor stop to listen what the world may say. 



Let nobler thoughts your conscious minds employ 

And crown your interval of life with joy. 

T5ut as you journey on expect to find 

Those troubles incident to human kind. 

Thei/fond\y dream of happiness in vain, 

Who seek to find it without lessor pain. 

In miry paths must tread your wandering feet, 

AVhere ease with pain ; where joys with sorrow meet, 

Thege, loving pilgrims, as ye onward stray, 

Must be your portion thro' life's rugged way. 

If love and harmony you would preserve. 
Avoid, by careful steps, that fiend rescvoe. 
Let both ahke, with conscious pleasure, see 
A generous mind, from false deception free. 
Let both in each a sweet companion find, 
Indulgent, tender, aftUble and kind ; 
Devoid of art, let eacli attempt to prove 
A greater warmth of undissembled love. 
In joy. in sorrow, or in pain, or ease. 
Let eacli, alike be stu lions how to please ; 
In every trial an equal share, 
Each take a part, and try to lessen care. 
Let concord, harmony, and pcacef\il joy 
Eacii future moment of your lives employ. 
Thus shall you both substantial bliss secure. 
And heaven indulgent, choicest blessings pour, 
©ecrepid age shall then with pleasure view. 
His snowy honours crown'd with joys anew; 
\yith grateful hearts survey the trials past. 
And hail the moment that sliall bring the last. 
Diviner bliss shall each fond breast inspire 
And fill the soul with pure celestial fire ; 
With holy rapture make your latter days 
Resound the language of incessant praise. 
Your setting sun, when life's short day is o'er. 
Shall rise unclouded, and go down no more; 
His genial rays shall every care destroy, 
And stamp eternal all your future joy. 

^ Deign, happy pair, to accept the feeble lay, 
The pleasing theme of this auspicious dav : 
^Tis friendship speaks: — if more she can declare;, 
i?e that the subject 'of devoted prayer. 



THUNDER AND LIGHTNING, 

ADDRESSED TO 

Sitting hy, and expressing fear of the storm. 

Fear not the lig-hining's vivid glare, 
Nor thunder roHing' thro' the air; 
Commotions in the nether sky 
Obey his voice who sits on high — 
Whose potent arm sustains the earth. 
The heavens, tlte universal birth. 
He who rejoices us with day, 
At his command the lightnings play ; 
The appointments of his sacred will, 
They in their flaming rout, fulfill ; 
Conjoin'd with thunder — potent band ! 
In dread array pass o'er the land ; 
Yet friends to man, they, from tlie air 
Disperse the foes that harbour there, 
From stagnant lakes and putrid bodies rais'el. 
The same who sends the genial shower, 
})irects the storm's tremendous power. 
View then thro' all a God of love, 
And every slavish fear remove. 



SACRED CONTENTMENT. 

ADDRESSED TO THE JFFLICTED MIjVD. 

Sole Lord of bhss ! send down a gracious beam 
To clear his thoughts who makes content his theme, 
Content transcends a crown ; tis wisdom's mark : 
Choice manna treasur'd in religion's ark : 
A perfect watch, whose motions firmly hold : 
A chymic stone which turns dull lead to gold : 
An olive branch brought in a turtle's bill : 
An anchor which at sea secures us still ; 



55 

A calm in storms, and peace when wars invade : 
^n frosts a sunshine, and in heats a shade 
That high tuned harmony for which we long ; 
A sweet preludium to a heavenly song. 
A Canaan that with streams of honey flows, 
A graft whereon the fruit of life's tree j^rows : 
The embroidery which the King's fair daughter ,vrears 
When she all glorious in her soul appears. 
The heart's bright ruby where with this endu'd 
Shines as a star of the first magnitude. 
But discontent the active mind withdraws 
From sacred duties ; — crosseth reason's laws ; 
Changeth to dismal night sweet comfort's day ; 
Prolongeth crosses, and doth blessings stay. 
'Tis a dry dropsy, which consumes hfe's powers ; 
A lump of leaven that each comfort sours ; 
A pricking thorn that festers in the mind, 
A breach where all temptations entrance find. 
It lies in labour of its own distress. 
Brought forth by pride, brought up by peevishness, 
That Nabal's heart in which it makes abode 
Like Isachar doth twixt a double load. 
Tis discontent not misery weighs us down. 
Waters within, not those without us drown ; 
While to life's moment all our cares we bend. 
We live unmindful of an awful end. 
Content, rejecting toys, minds things to come, 
Assur'd to have enough to bring her home, 
niches take wing, and worldly pleasures flight 
Glow worms seem useless tho' they shine by niglil . 
Content exhorts us not to wealth to aspire — 
The greatest wealth is to contract desire, 
he treasures mercies in a grateful heart— 
'ontent and thankfulness all bliss impart. 
I 'A thy relations mectest thou with neglect 
Where most of gratitude thou mights't expect ? 
Are thine allieb, hke Joseph's careless friend. 
Forgetting ihee when they've obtain'd their end? 
Tho' love doth love require, and bouniy binds, 
And hath returns from all but servile minds — 
Admire God's constant love which knows no banks 
As far beyond thy merit as thy thanks : 
Hast lost a friend to whom thou couldst divide. 
Thy soul, and didst as in thyself confide ? 
The wise man's happy in himself alone. 
And if he hath no friend he needeth non.eo 



Joy triumphs In his breast his generous mind, 
In its own sphere can saiisfaction find : 
From comfort's author he his comfort draws ; 
He wants not the effect who hath the cause. 

Art thou afflicted, God his gold refines 
By fire — the link when bruised brighter shines. 
Contentment turns afflictions into gems, 
Disconsolation into diadems. 
He most is lost who knows no worldly loss, 
The spouse of Christ is jointur'd to his cross. 
Esteem thyself than all God's mercies less, 
To be on this side Hell is happiness. 

Are for the Church thy sympathizing fears 
AVhich seems to sink as deep in blood as tears—, 

Have faith— she shall like palms depress'd rise high.. 
Her visitations end in victory. 
*Tis darkest night ere dawn; this also cheers, 
She'll reap in comfort what she sows in tears, 
And then each sister church shall reverence show 
As Joseph's bretheren's sheaves to him did bow. 

Art griev'd for sin ? — To thy redeemer go 
By faith and prayer; He underwent thy woe, 
And on the cross did sin's full ransom pay. 
There took sin only to take sin away. 
Love's life chose death, that death love's life might gai' 
He's thine by grace,— thou his by faith remain. 
O wonderous gift ! such love was never known ! 
Since he is thine, be never more thine own ! 
Thrice happy^he who on God's word rehes, 
And slighting earth, to hea^■en directs his eyes. 
Who free from care is pleas'd with what he is. 
The world's whole lottery proves a blank to this ; 
For who content doth in the highest place, 
Hath joy's joy — virtue's virtue — grade's grace ' 

VcTiatlon is a sin — for that lament, 

Afrxjl; rl i ""■.cm -.*■!= 11 1<^'^, Tr-ir *hv o'';rf(»i'- ^nt. 



A MEDITATION. 

Come, divinest power ! Immanuel come ! 
And by thy spirit from my breast expel 
And chase those foes which late harbour'd there, 
The placid stream of thy serenest joy, 
Spread thro' my soul and bid new spring arise ; 
The margin where thy love abnndant flows 
Shull verdant be and sweetest flowers produce ; 
The growth of paridise — immortal plants — 
Lebanon's fair cedar— with the fructile vine — 
With numbers more which glow in Eden's seat. 

But if confin'd as in the fountain head 
No sacred streams refresh my weary soul> 
Then as a sterile waste it will remain, 
Fertile in nothing but the noxious thorn ; 
While o'er the parched soil the savage race — 
The fiercest of the bestial tribe — will stray; 
Propell'd by native wrath destroy my peace, 
And rend the earth with furious horrid roar. 



A FRAGMENT. 

Happy the man whose small estate supplies 
A' little more than mere necessities! 
Who lives abstracted from the city's noise, 
The pomp of courts, and its illusive joys ; 
In no vain arts employ'd— his mind 
Studies the noblest science of mankind : 
His Saviour (^od supremely in his view ; 
Not in mere knowJedge. but affection too ; 
He knows his own — he knows his neighbour's due. 
And in one common interest blends the two. 



AN EJACULATION. 

Rising in the moniining, in a time of deep and long 
./Affliction. 1794— 

Each rising morn with sorrov/ waked ! 

When will our conflicts end ? 
Great God, thy gracious power impart. 

And blessings with our sorrows blend, 



as 



THANKSGIVING. 

In a time of mental relief y and the vicioru of 
faith. 1795— 

The blessing" crav'd thy love extends ! 

And turns the prayer Xopraisel 
Our groans are hush'd and mercy blends, 

With every grief her rich displays ! 



TRIUMPH OF FAITH. 

Hew firmly fixed that rest the mind receives, 
"Who with unshaken confidence believes! 

In each event beholds a father's love. 

The deepest trials choicest blessings prove ! 



TO 



J Baptist Minister, iviih several looks returned 
on Baptism. 



In reverend Stennett wisdom shines. 
And calmness curbs his glowing lines, 
M'Gregor's shrewd but too severe, 
Nor his deductions always clear ; 
But copious Booth the palm shall vvea 



J 



But still my friend, tbo' they succeed, 
And overthrow the sprinkling creed, 
Not all their pains persuade my mind -: 
That in perpetuam we shall find, 
Smmersion is the standing mode. 
Prescribed by the sacred code. 
As well we from the text infer 
TTnless we burn v-'e surelv -rv • 



S9 

Since fire's an emblem also langht — 
And with instruction deeply fraught; 
Yet who believes the outward flame 
Confers the real christian name ? 

But let us wave polemic strife. 
And pant for that immortal I'fe ! 
That sacred love ! that holy fire ! 
Which prompts to join the heavenly choir. 
Proclaims to earth Immanuel's sway, 
And spreads the glories of the gospel day. 



On an intelligent^ amiable and pious youth ; hit in 
a very unattractive form. 

When I the treasures of thy mind survey, 
Season'd with grace, illum'd with heavenly day, 
My soul adverts to that bright son of love ; 
Who, — now triumphant in the realms above, — 
Was once inhuman nature's humblest form, 
And seem'd to haug-hty superficial minds a worm j 
So mean contemptible of their esteem. 
His lowly state and modest graces seem. 
But deep within the curtain'd fleshy vail. 
The sons of wisdom all the God-head liail ! 

Thus oft his humble followers are seen, 
Despis'd as " earthen pitchers," poor and mean ; 
But justly priz'd by all the wise and good, 
By whom the inward glory's undcnjtood. 



A THOUGHT. 

Penc-ird on the broad margin of a chart—of th e 
seat of vjar in Europe— while waiting at a gentle; 
for his coming in, 1795. 

How awfully strikes the deeply pensive heart— 
^vhat if Britania should enlarge this chart ! 



so 

And by tlie mflnJate of the Lord of hosts 

The scourg'e of war extend o'er Albion's coasts. 

Great God ! we vail to thy Almighty hand 
And own thy justice on our guilty land! 
Yet humbly bow thy wrath to deprecate, 
And beg thy rnercy to our threaten'd slate! 
1-et mercy triumph o^qv s\tvn justice'' s rod 
That Sion may proclaim her Saviour God ! 
Thou know'st the thousands bent before thy throne. 
Who breathe in secret, and contrited groan ; 
Hear for thy mercy's sake and plead their cause ! 
Thy cause f thy truth ! thy people ! and thy latus .' 
Oh ! Saviour God I who hear'^st thy suppliants' prayer, 
Tho' thou correct'st, O! may compassion spare. 



To a lively little girl who used to repeat, in a very 
sprightly manner, some lines, complaining of the melan- 
choly situation of being remote from the Capital, confin'd 
v/ith an aunt infirm aiid a father gouty. 

O! C ! in this lov'd retreat, 

"What soft and tranquil pleasures meet ! 
Tar from the city's bustling noise, 
Sweet and serene our rural joys ! 
Nor *'dutl the village*^ when the mind, 
is to a polished taste refined ; 
And loves to muse the historic page — 
The bard sublime — the instructive sf»ge 

Nor does the gout forever teaze, 
Tather enjoys some grateful ease : 
M'hile good •• old aunt" her pain forgets, 
And many an anecdote repeats; 
The grave and pleasant blends with ease, 
To fo'rmthe heart,— the fancy please. 
"When doubly thus the converse warms, 
.E'en sable v.'inter has her charms ! 
And when rexolving spring resumes. 
Creation's smiles, what joys diffuse ! 
How blest " the village'''\ sweet retreat ! 
^y^'here soft and tranquil pleasures tneetv 



TO M. R. AND FAMILY. 

Heceive my dear relatives the following simple lines, as 
the product of the heart, rather tlian the head : a heart 
deeply — to the full unutterably — affected by that awful 
event which recently took place among us. O may the 
solemn impressions never wholly wear off. 

Reflections arising from the decease of my dear brother 
U. P. R. who was favoured with a gentle dismission from 
time, into a blessed eternity, on the 28th of 9th mo. 1801, 
in the 56th year of his age. 

M'hat mortal eye can pierce the awful vail 
AVhen life retires— and all terrestrials fail ! 
"When severed from our view, the soul releas'd 
Quits the sad confines of a frame diseas'd, 
Probation's numerous cares, and all its fears — 
To join the hosts in life's eternal spheres ! 
O ! Could some spirit from those realms descend 
What vast importance would his counsels blend ' 

Thus as I pensive view'd the clay cold frame, 
Which erst sustain'd each tender social name : 
The vehicle thro' which, in accents kind. 
Breath d the soft fervours of the immortal mind, 
"What language can the solenm change express ! 
'Tls silence all ! — ineffable distress ! 
But secret whispers from a voice divine. 
Calm all the mental powers and they resign .' 
A sacred awe surrounds! — and thro' the vail 
Celestial accents deep attention hail — 

Sure 'tis the echo of the dear deceas'd, 
Exulting loud to feel the soul releas'd, 
— " The cause of grief to me exists tio more — 
Forever safe ! on heaven's eternal shore ! 
If grief could reach mc, those who stili remain 
On y oar bleak coast demand my plaintive strain ; 
AVeep for yourselves, the numerous storms which wait 
The candidates for this immortal state : 
Weep for survivors in probation's sphere. 
And tremble for yourselves with filial fear 1 



3S 



O! with what transport now I trace below 

My varied paths, beset with human wo ! 

Safe from the storms beneath, 1 view their force, 

And laud the hand that stop'd my dangerous courst 

*Twas grace unspeakable, and love divine 

That gave my soul to touch the sacred line ; 

The gentle clue which thro' the thickest shades 

Of sin and sorrow, and life's snares pervades: 

O! bow in reverence ! nor presume to scan 

In human wisdom, heaven's mysterious plan; 

Dread to depart from that dependant slate, 

When humble souls for sacred counsel wait ! 

So shall you 'scape the numerous pangs which rise 

To liaughty minds wlio heavenly grace despise, 

Who by ''{lie buckler of their own right hand." 

In impious confidence, presumptuous stand : 

— Forever safe ! -my soul exults to feel 

The glorious truths Immanuel's words reveal I 

With awe profound, prostrate before his throne. 

Ascribes salvation to the Lord alone ! 

And sees beyond the sceptic's \\ avering lore 

A lig'ht divine, celestial themes explore ; 

Now beam effulgent trutiis, which faintly view'J 

Sooth'd my worn soul and quell'd disquietude ! 

Here stands confessed their radiance all divine, 

And in their lustre saints immortal shine. 

Review our converse when with you below 

I lisp'd those themes to soothe our mutual wo. 

And sought to elevate the aspiring soul 

With pure ambition towards the heavenly goal ! 

O'er all besides the oblivious vail extend. 

And view with steady aim the glorious end ! 

Tlie glorious end ! repeat the exulling' strain ! 

Beijond expression all besides is vain ! 

The boasts of science and the pride of wealth — 

And even the enjoyments of the bloom of health — 

All -all is poor ! contrasted with the mind — 

And the rich frame for heavenly scenes design'd 

Exhausted soon shall every triumph fade. 

But those which can survive the mortal shade. 

— O! be instructed early to pursue 

With ardent hope the glorious prize \V[ view ! 

Eternity's indeed an awful theme ! 

Terrestrial projects but a vapid dream, 

If unconnected with celestial aims, 

Eeligion's dictates, sudher sacred claims 1" 



53 



Then ceas'd the voice : bnt O ! the thrill divine 
Demands a more expressive muse than mine ; 
Expression fails sensations to convey 
When near the confi'.es of eternal day. 
My soul adoring- telt toe sacred power 
Of this high converse in that av/ful hour '. 

O! may I breathe tiie few remaining- days 
In humble reverence, and in grateiMl praise! 
Enjoy time's blessing-s with a cautious frame, 
Tliat nothing damp the deep etherial flarac 
Of pure devotion in the immortal mind 
For glory and eternal biiss de^ign'd! 
And wait- with lively hope — the happy close 
Of life's probations, and Its varied woes ! 



A SIMILE. 

Written at an Inn, at C , Surri/* 

Life's a journey — and our state 
But the Inns at which we bait ; 
Accommodations to be had 
Sometimes g-ood — but often sad: 
Abroad the weather sometimes fair, 
But often clouds and storms appear : 

Happy he whom prudence sways, 
Not to trust to smihng" days ! 
"Whom wisdom teaches to prepare, 
For the iraveller's varied fare ! 



FINIS. 



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